Rumors hint of Google eyeing Expedia, Skype acquisition?

Could Google be planning to make a grab for Expedia? Yesterday, rumors of a bid by Google to acquire the online travel agency ended up with Expedia shares rising, leading a bit of credence to what is just a rumor for now.

Google's ever-expanding online empire encompasses many types of markets like search (obviously), office productivity, mapping, online payments – so, why not travel planning? It would definitely pose a challenge to create further value on the well established travel business, but that's not the only rumor surrounding the search giant.

Google who wouldn't comment on speculation, is also being linked to eBay's Skype. But that would be yet another question mark on what kind of plans could be laid out between the two considering Google already has a similar platform called GTalk for voice over IP and instant messaging.